The GOAT is facing his toughest opponent yet, and it isn’t a heavyweight contender—it’s his own body. A recently leaked viral video from Dirty Boxing 5 in Houston caught Jon Jones in a private moment with Joaquin Buckley, where he made a shocking admission: “Bro, I have severe arthritis… my left hip is covered in it.”
The Jon Jones arthritis update has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Jones confirmed that the pain was so intense during his last camp that he struggled to sleep, and he’s reportedly already “qualified” for a full hip replacement. Despite the “battle scars” from nearly two decades of dominance, the former two-division champ isn’t ready to hang up the 4oz gloves just yet. His eyes are fixed on one final, historic destination: the UFC White House card on June 14.
The Battle for the South Lawn: Jones vs. Dana White
While Jones is “begging” for a slot on the June 14 event, UFC CEO Dana White remains the ultimate gatekeeper. The relationship between the two has always been a roller coaster, and White has expressed public hesitation about booking Jones for such a high-stakes, limited-slot event. Following Jones’ unceremonious retirement last year—and his refusal to unify the belt against Tom Aspinall—the trust between “Bones” and the UFC brass is at an all-time low.
Jones, however, insists this isn’t about the money. “The UFC knows the extent of my arthritis,” Jones told TMZ Sports. “If I’m going to endure that level of pain one last time, it has to be for something legendary.” For Jon, that means a heavyweight superfight against Alex Pereira on the White House lawn—a legacy-defining moment that would transcend the typical Las Vegas pay-per-view.
Resilience or Retirement? The Road to June 14
Critics argue that the arthritis news is a convenient exit strategy to avoid the rising tide of the heavyweight division, but supporters see the heart of a champion. At 38 years old, Jones is balancing the desire to play with his three-year-old son against the urge to prove he can still “kick 99% of your asses.”
As the MMA world rallies behind him, the question remains: Will the UFC White House card be the site of his final redemption, or will the “battle scars” finally force the greatest to ever do it into permanent retirement? With matchmaking for the June event starting this week, we are only days away from an official answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest Jon Jones injury update?
Jon Jones recently confirmed he suffers from severe arthritis in his left hip and has been cleared for hip replacement surgery. He cited this as the reason for declining a wrestling match with Daniel Cormier.
Will Jon Jones fight at the UFC White House event?
Jones is actively campaigning for a fight against Alex Pereira on June 14, 2026. However, Dana White has not yet confirmed his spot due to Jones’ history of withdrawals.
Why is the UFC White House card so significant?
Scheduled for June 14 (Flag Day), it is set to be the first professional sports event held on the White House grounds, featuring a limited card of 6-7 high-profile fights.
Does Jon Jones still have the Heavyweight title?
No. Jones vacated the title during his brief retirement in 2025. He is currently looking to return as a challenger or in a “BMF” style superfight.
